Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) Bill - SNP abstain from voting

In a relatively quiet chamber and with the late arrival of the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, it wasn’t a great start for Liz Smith MSP, at the Stage 1 debate for her Members Bill. The government had not provided their response to the report by the Education, Children and Young People Committee until just before 6pm the night before the debate, a practice that is frustratingly common as it does not give sufficient time for other parties to consider it and respond appropriately. The Bill is seeking to introduce legislation to provide government funded residential outdoor education for all state and grant-funded schools in Scotland.

We believe, like many other organisations that outdoor education is vitally important for all children, regardless of their background and social circumstances. The benefits of providing this to every pupil is well documented, including benefits for mental well-being, improved self-worth, increased social interaction and confidence. The outdoor learning environment will also introduce children to Scotland’s plentiful outdoor spaces and the many activities and sports on offer, which they may not be able to experience without government funding. Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP spoke passionately about the very positive experience of children with additional support needs taking part in outdoor learning activities. With some pre-planning and support staff, this will be achievable, and yes there will be additional costs associated with this support, but surely the government wants to get it right for every child, one would hope.

Ms Smith delivered a very confident argument for her Bill in her opening speech, which was supported by the majority of the chamber. It was, however, disappointing to hear that the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes MSP, though supportive of the idea, will not be lodging a financial resolution for the bill ahead of the Stage 1 vote. The Minister stated that the government have a number of concerns regarding affordability and deliverability of the Bill in practice. Without the financial resolution, this Bill will not proceed to Stage 2 and it will ultimately fail. Ms Don-Innes did, however, promise to work with the Member in Charge and other stakeholders to try and reach a satisfactory conclusion within 6-months following the conclusion of Stage 1.

The Ministers speech was promptly criticised by MSPs from across the chamber, who declared that funding should be found and allocated for this service. Jamie Greene MSP posed the question-

“How much money would the national health service save if young people go on to lead better, healthier and happier lives? How much money would the justice system save if young people were less likely to interact with it, or with the police, courts or even prisons? How much money would social services or the third sector save if their interventions were enhanced or even replaced by residential learning experiences?”

This a very interesting argument, and one which the government need to consider very carefully. The SCA have always advocated for outdoor educational learning experiences. In fact, the Countryside Alliance currently run a hugely successful Fishing for Schools initiative, which seeks to educate children from a variety of backgrounds and abilities, struggling to cope with daily pressures of life. It is initiatives such as this that can bring hugely positive benefits to the lives of children and young people. What is not to like about getting outside, casting a line at a nearby river or loch and simply being present with nature?

We will happily engage with MSPs and Ministers to seek a way forward with this Bill, as many other stakeholder organisations are willing to do. This Bill can work, and after all, children and young people are the future caretakers of our wonderful countryside.